Welcome to issue number six of The 3 Minute Golfer. This FREE, weekly publication is here to help every golfer improve their mental game and their personal wellbeing.

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In golf, the mindset of hitting the ball as hard and as long as you can…commonly referred to as "smoking the ball"…often matches the personality traits of assertive people, with a higher need for aggression, but not always in a negative sense. Studies in personality psychology have shown that individuals with a high aggression trait are more likely to engage in risky and forceful actions, and this can manifest on the golf course as a tendency to attack every shot with maximum power. While such a style might yield some awe-inspiring moments, it may also lead to frustration, inconsistency, and mounting scores.

Players who embody this aggressive approach are fearless…or at least seem to be. They might take on narrow fairways with a driver when a hybrid or iron would do, aim directly for the flag even when it’s guarded by hazards, or attempt heroic shots through dense trees instead of taking the safer route. Their mantra is simply “go big or go home.”

This approach, while exciting, does have its pitfalls. It often stems from a cocktail of super confidence…touching on over-confidence, adrenaline, and perhaps a dash of bravado. The brain, as psychology reminds us, loves to recall moments of glory while conveniently forgetting failures. That one-time Smokey hit a miraculous shot through a narrow gap stays in their memory forever, while the many times they clattered into trees fades into the deep recesses of “never happened”.

At the core of this style lies a cognitive bias. Overconfident players tend to overestimate their skills and underestimate the challenges posed by a shot. They often fall victim to the illusion of control, believing they can bend the game to their will.

Research in sports psychology, including the Yerkes–Dodson law, highlights how overarousal, triggered by excitement or pressure, can impede performance. For aggressive players, the adrenaline rush from attempting a spectacular shot can disrupt their focus, leading to a tightening grip, rushed swing, and poor outcomes.

When a player consistently opts for high-risk shots, the cost is twofold:

This is the trap of the “desperate mind,” where stress clouds judgment, and the player makes decisions based on hope rather than logic.

Being aggressive isn’t inherently bad…it’s the unchecked recklessness that causes problems. Controlled aggression can be a powerful weapon when tempered with strategy. Here are a few tips for the Smokey looking to reign in their overly bold tendencies.

The Smokey style of play adds excitement to the game and can lead to extraordinary moments. But golf rewards consistency and smart decision-making more than just flair. Balancing boldness with thoughtful strategy can transform a reckless golfer into a formidable competitor.

So, the next time you’re tempted to swing out of your boots or attempt the impossible, pause and ask yourself: “Is this the smart play?” Controlled aggression, paired with a touch of discipline, can sooth the mind and lead to consistently better scores.

Could Laughter Be Good Medicine?

Laughter is free and would be sold for $1000 a bottle, if the pharmaceutical companies could claim the patent. But can laughter be a good medicine?

According to Dr Ardell, laughter is a first cousin of fun and crucial to maintaining good mental and physical health. “Almost all studies of long-lived people,” suggests Ardell, “highlight ample laughter as a characteristic of successful aging.” 

Ardell also argues that “laughter is beneficial even if the source of merriment is not objectively or understandably amusing.” 

Closely related to but different from laughter, is happiness, with laughter being a physical sensation and happiness a mental state.  

“Aristotle,” says Ardell, “posited two forms of happiness: hedonic, based on pleasure, and eudaemonia, based on virtue and clean living. Likewise, there are two distinct forms of laughter - good natured and victimless (basically eudaemonia) and all the rest, as favoured by stand-up comedians (basically hedonic). “

The Benefits of Laughter

While some people are skeptical of the claimed role that fun and humour play when it comes to wellbeing and happiness, Caroline Kaercher Kramer and Cristiane Bauermann Leitao (PubMed, 2023) conducted a meta-analysis (examination of data from several independent studies on the same subject to determine overall trends) and found there was a positive correlation. Particularly as it related to the body’s cortisol production, which can produce very negative health impacts when the body produces too much.

A growing body of research suggests laughter has the power to….

See the References Here.

Question from Almost Happy in Ireland.

How can maintaining a good sense of humour improve my golf game?

Answer: So, to paraphrase, “will cracking jokes improve your golf swing?” Yes, maintaining a good sense of humour can significantly improve your golf game by reducing any stress and anxiety that you may be carrying, often without really knowing the weight you are under.

Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, which not only provides a sense of well-being but also improves focus and concentration. A good laugh can lighten your anger and frustration, helping you stay calm and composed during a challenging round. Plus, research shows that humour can help you live longer, meaning you have more years to achieve that perfect score, or even a hole-in-one…a prerequisite for any golfer’s epitaph or eulogy.

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